As PrettyLittleThing founder and chief executive Umar Kamani is inducted into the Drapers Digital Awards Hall of Fame, he talks to Drapers about creating a legacy and taking the rapidly growing business global.

Drapers Footwear Awards 19 will recognise and celebrate the footwear's very best from across the UK and Ireland.

We have 18 exciting categories up for contest, including International Footwear Business of the Year and Best Sustainable Initiative of the Year.

As PrettyLittleThing founder and chief executive Umar Kamani is inducted into the Drapers Digital Awards Hall of Fame, he talks to Drapers about creating a legacy and taking the rapidly growing business global.

BHS rescue bid fails and 163 stores set to close

The rescue bid for BHS has fallen at the final hurdle, with administrators Duff & Phelps failing to secure a buyer for the high street chain.

Workers at the chain’s headquarters on London’s Marylebone Road were called into a meeting at 2pm today to be told the news. BHS employs around 8,000 people and has 163 stores across the UK. There are a further 3,000 people on contracts but not directly-employed by BHS whose jobs are at risk.

BHS was sold to consortium Retail Acquisitions led by three-time bankrupt Dominic Chappell in March last year for £1.

Philip Duffy, managing director of Duff & Phelps and joint administrator, said “The British high street is changing and in these turbulent times for retailers, BHS has fallen as another victim of the seismic shifts we are seeing. The tireless work and goodwill of the existing management team and employees of BHS with the support of my team were not enough to change the fortunes of the company.

”Our thoughts today are with the employees,” added a spokesman. “We thank them for their professionalism and hard work. We would also like to thank the great British public for helping us in our efforts to save BHS resulting in several weeks of significant sales.”

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